The Federal Government has approved the inclusion of Chinese language (Mandarin) in the revised national curriculum for senior secondary schools across Nigeria.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of the school curriculum aimed at broadening students’ global competitiveness and fostering stronger cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and China.
With this development, Mandarin will be taught alongside existing foreign languages such as French and Arabic, giving Nigerian students more options in second-language acquisition.
Education stakeholders say the move will not only promote cross-cultural understanding but also enhance opportunities for Nigerians in international trade, diplomacy, and technology partnerships, particularly as China remains one of Nigeria’s key economic partners.
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to roll out implementation guidelines in collaboration with state ministries of education, principals, and language teachers.
Officials have assured that capacity-building programmes and recruitment of qualified teachers will accompany the policy to ensure smooth integration of the new subject into classrooms nationwide.
